According the latest figures, women representation on FTSE 100 boards continues to increase, but Business Secretary Vince Cable has cautioned that companies must not let up in their efforts to deliver 25% gender diversity to their boardrooms by 2015.

It has been a privilege to have known such a brave and strong lady. The passion and positivity you have shown over the last few months has given so many other people strength and courage to face what life throws at them.

MWOTY Sara Lawton, Women In Business NW and all #MWOTY supporters to help her to find businesses who would like to contribute to supporting young people from across the City and help Fire Fit Hub to offer them opportunities that will change their lives

Big Thank you to The Restaurant Bar and Grill, Brunswick Street for their kind reception of our After Awards Party. What a fabulous turnout – guests from our day time event joined Jean, Ellie and Elaine for a complimentary glass of celebration fizz and heard the wonderful Anna Corcoran sing beautifully.

Wonderful Women truly is an understatement. Every year Merseyside Women of The Year event presents a very important opportunity to highlight the unsung heroines, the quiet and sometimes not so quiet women of Merseyside that overcome barriers, help others, inspire generations and 'put back' above and beyond the call of duty.

To organize the event is a very uplifting opportunity and many of our sponsors, judges and supporters are delighted to be a part of it every single year.

We have so many friends and contacts within our personal and business networks that deserve a mention and a massive thank you for helping us at Women In Business to make this event possible, it just wouldn't happen without the support of our team who understand what we are aiming to achieve and give willingly of their time.We are so grateful - Thank You.

Every year the finalists are outstanding and an inspiration to men, women, boys and girls within Merseyside and beyond. Their stories provide case studies and great role modeling for all of us and incredibly most of them just don't realise how what they do deserves to be shared and deserves to be recognised.

It is our hope that by introducing the opportunity for finalists and sponsors to meet and network that support networks and friendships will be created and from little acorns big oak trees will grow.

Elaine Owen

Fabulous turn out for Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2014

Over 400 people turned out for the glamorous Merseyside Women of the Year awards to see local women being rewarded for their success...